Money band apparatus

ABSTRACT

An improved pocket money band apparatus made of a resilient material adapted to hold bill money and credit cards.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application that claims thebenefit of U.S. Regular pplication Ser. No. 11/118,294 filed on Apr. 29,2005, entitled “POCKET MONEY BAND APPARATUS”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal grants or funds were used in the development of the presentinvention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatus used to hold money, creditcards and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several conventional means of holding money and credit cards,for example, in a pocket, in a wallet or in a money clip. Each of thesemeans have disadvantages. For example, loose and disorganized money andcredit cards in a pocket can lead to the loss of such money and creditcards. Wallets are bulky and money clips will not hold credit cardssecurely. What is desired is a means of holding a nominal amount ofmoney and credit cards, as well as other assorted items, in a non-bulky,secure, yet fashionable manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a band made of a resilient material,leather, leather-like vinyl, suede, woven, denim, corduroy and metal,and the like, having a first end and a second end, the band of which canbe looped and then the first end coupled to the second end with afastening or coupling means, such as a concho, or coupled together withan elastic portion sewn thereinbetween the first end and second end.Various alterations and modifications of the basic band can be made tohold a variety of small items. The present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the following drawings, in which likereference numbers denote the same element throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is drawing of a band having a first end and a second end;

FIG. 2 is drawing of a band with the first end fastened to the secondend using a concho;

FIG. 3 illustrates the first end and the second end of the band heldtogether by any appropriate fastening means;

FIGS. 4A-4I illustrates various embodiments of the money band of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the present inventionhaving a slit on one side;

FIG. 6 illustrates a separate coin purse coupled on a side of the band;

FIG. 7 illustrates a band with a pocket having a clear back to allow theholding of a picture;

FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention including astrap across the top thereof adapted to hold cards and money securelywithin the band with a closed bottom; and

FIG. 10 illustrates the metal money band of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention comprises a band made of a resilient material,such as leather, leather-like vinyl, suede, woven, denim, corduroy andmetal, and the like, having a first end and a second end, the band ofwhich can he looped and then fastened with a fastening means, such as aconcho, or sewn together. Various alterations and modifications of thebasic band can be made to hold a variety of small items. The band madeof metal can be a continuous cast band having a portion on each sidethereof that are configured to be snapped into a clamped position froman unclamped position.

As seen in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the pre-formed band 100 made ofresilient material having a height of between either (i) a quarter inch(0.25) to 1.25 inches or (ii) 1.5 to 2.5 inches and, when laid flat, alength of between 3 and 8 inches, said band having a first crease and asecond crease, the band being folded along the first crease and thesecond crease and then coupled along a first edge and a second edge witha coupling means. In an aspect of the first embodiment, the band has alength that is slightly longer than 2 times the width of a conventionalUS bill money, such that when the first end and second end of the bandare coupled, a bill 201 can be slid just inside the band width-wise asseen in FIG. 2. Within the folded bill, a credit card or plurality ofcredit cards can be placed therein. The resilient material can be asingle layered material, or can be comprised of a plurality of layershaving similar dimensions that are coupled to each other to form themoney band.

Alternatively, the present invention comprises the pocket money bandapparatus in combination with a leather or leather-like vinyl cardholder. One or more credit cards can be placed within the credit cardholder and the credit card holder placed within the folded money billthat is held within the pocket money band apparatus. Pre-formed band 100is folded along creases 101 and 102 and then coupled when the first edge103 and the second edge 104 meet, to form the first embodiment of thefirst invention.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first end and the second end of the band 100 areformed and held together by any appropriate fastening means 301,including a concho, shell. Alternatively, the first edge and second edgecan be coupled with an elastic portion sewn thereinbetween. The band 100can be made of any resilient material such as leather, leather-likevinyl, suede, woven, denim, corduroy, metal or similar materials. Thefirst exemplary embodiment is held together with a concho 401 havingpins 402 that can be driven through the band and folded back as seen inFIG. 4A. Precious jewels or other decorative items can be used on a formconcho to distinguish the money band 100.

Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the coupling means 301 cancomprise a first rectangular strip 403 being flat and pliable that is aswide as the band 103, having a first rectangular strip first edge 404and a first rectangular strip second edge 405, the first rectangularstrip first edge 404 being coupled to the inside of band 100 near firstedge 103 and the first rectangular strip second edge 405 being coupledto the inside of band 100 near second edge 104. The first rectangularstrip 403 can comprise a material such as elastic, semi rigid rubbermaterial, and the like. The means of coupling the first rectangularstrip first edge to the inside of the first edge 103 of the band 100 andthe first rectangular strip second edge to the inside of the second edge104 of the band 100 can be thread, nylon, wire or other suitable stringlike material 406 sewn therein between as seen in FIG. 4C or can beglue. Further, as seen in FIG. 4F. the portion 407 of the firstrectangular strip 403 between the first edge 103 of the band 100 and thesecond edge 104 of the band 100 which is exposed when band 100 isstretched, can be covered with a second rectangular strip of material408, as seen in FIG. 4D, that is looped or wrapped around the band atthe location where the first end 103 and the second 104 meet, thuscovering first edge 103, second edge 104 and first rectangular strip403. Thus, when first edge 103 is pulled away from second edge 104, thefirst rectangular strip is not seen as it is hidden behind secondrectangular strip 408. The second rectangular strip 408 can comprise aleather or leather-like vinyl with a sufficient length, when flattenedthat it can be wrapped around the band 100 where the first edge 103 andthe second edge 104 meet and coupled. The second rectangular strip 408is coupled in place to the first rectangular strip along thelongitudinal center 409 of the first rectangular strip 403. The couplingmeans between the first rectangular strip 403 and the second rectangularstrip 408 can comprise sewn thread, nylon or wire. Alternative couplingmeans for coupling the first edge 103 and the second edge 104 of band100 include hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro buckle and holearrangement, woven, zipper, button and magnetic attachment. FIGS. 4G to4I provide a further embodiment of the money band invention of thepresent invention. As seen in FIG. 4G, band 100 can be comprised of aresilient material such as leather, leather-like vinyl, suede, woven,denim, and corduroy, having an unfolded total width that is twice aswide as when in the folded position. For example, band 100 is between 3and 8 inches in length and with a width of between 2 to 8 inches. Afirst crease 410 along the width thereof and a second crease 411 alongthe width thereof are each between one half (0.5) inch and two (2)inches from the top of the band 100. Referring to FIG. 4H, an elasticelement 412 having a width that is about ½ of the width of band 100 isplaced against the interior face of band 100. Band 100 is then foldedover the elastic element 412 width-wise along the first crease 410 andalong the second crease 411, partially enclosing elastic element 412, asseen in FIG. 4H. Then first edge 103 is brought around to meet withsecond edge 104 of band 100 as seen in FIG. 4I, elastic element 412 isthen coupled to band 100 using glue along the interior portion of band100 and/or sewn along first edge 103 and second edge 104 along portion413 and 414 as seen in FIG. 4I.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention can also have a slit 501 on one side thereof adapted to hold asmall book of self-adhesive notes or to form a pocket within a firstlayer and second layer of band 100 to hold a small item such as a key orpocket watch. As seen in FIG. 6, a separate coin purse 601 can also becoupled on a side of band 100. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 7, apocket 701 having a clear back can be provided on an outer portion of alayer so as to receive a picture, photograph or identification material.

As seen in FIG. 8, a second embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a pre-formed band 800 with a height of between either (i) aquarter inch (0.25) to 1.25 inches or (ii) 1.5 to 2.5 inches and, whenlaid flat, a length of between 3 and 8 inches. In one aspect, the band800 has a length (l) that is slightly longer than 2 times the width (w)of a conventional US bill money, such that when the first end and secondends of the band 800 are formed, a bill can be slid just inside the band800 width-wise. This apparatus can be adapted to have the bottomportions of the money band sewn together to form a closed bottomportion. Alternatively, the second embodiment can comprised two (2) flatpanels, each having a dimension as follows: a height between either (i)a quarter inch (0.25) to 1.25 inches or (ii) 1.5 to 2.5 inches and awidth of between 1.5 and 5 inches The side edges and bottom edge of thetwo (2) panels are then sewn together to form a pocket. Thus, the secondembodiment can hold credit cards and loose items without the need of afolded bill. As seen in FIG. 9, a strap 901 coupled across the two sidesof the pocketed money band is adapted to hold credit cards and moneybills in place. The strap 901 can be sewn on both ends to the oppositepanels or one end, or both ends can be fastened using a fastening means,such as a snap mechanism, hook and loop fastener, buckle, button andhole arrangement, woven, zipper, button and magnetic attachment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as acontinuous metal band 1000 having a planar front portion 1001, a planarback portion 1002, the planar front portion 1001 and planar back portion1002 being joined on each side by a first curved side portion 1003A anda second curved side portion 1003B, each of the planar front portion1001 and planar back portion 1002 having a height of between a quarterinch (0.25) to 5 inches and a length of between 1.5 and 4 inches, alower part 1004 and 1005 of the inner faces of the planar front portion1001 and planar back portion 1002 having a variable distancethereinbetween, said distance determined by whether the metal band is ina clamped or unclamped position. The clamping mechanism of thecontinuous metal band can be, e.g., a portion of the planar frontportion 1001 and planar back portion 1002 having a predetermined gaugemetal thickness different from the gauge metal thickness of the rest ofthe planar front portion 1001 and planar back portion 1002. Suchdifference includes the lower clamping portion being thinner than theremainder of the rest of the metal money band. The clamping mechanism isadapted to be moved portions of either, or both of the planar frontportion 1001 and planar back portion 1002 from a first position to asecond position by the application of force. The metal band can becomprised of one continuous cast piece or a piece of folded sheet metalhaving dimensions, in the unfolded position, as follows: a height ofbetween one quarter (0.25) inch to 5 inches and a length of between 3and 8 inches.

The pocket money band apparatus embodiments shown and described aboveare only exemplary. Even though several characteristics and advantagesof the present invention have been set forth in the foregoingdescription together with details of the invention, the disclosure isillustrative only and changes may be made within the principles of theinvention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning ofthe terms used in herein and in the attached claims. For example, a usercan use the pocket money band apparatus of the present invention incombination with a leather or leather-like credit card holder.

1. An improved money band apparatus, comprising: a band made ofresilient material having a height of between either (i) a quarter inch(0.25) to 1.25 inches or (ii) 1.5 to 2.5 inches and, when laid flat, alength of between 3 and 8 inches, said band having a first crease and asecond crease and directly or indirectly coupled along a first edge anda second edge with a coupling means.
 2. The improved money bandapparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling means is a direct coupling ofthe first edge to the second edge using a sewn thread.
 3. The improvedmoney band apparatus of claim 1, comprising an elastic strip having aheight substantially the same as the height of the band, the elasticstrip positioned between the first edge and the second edge of the band,a first edge of the elastic strip sewn to a first edge of the band andthe second edge of the elastic strip sewn to the second edge of theband.
 4. The improved money band apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecoupling means comprises a concho having pins positioned over the firstedge and second edge, the pins penetrating through the band material. 5.The improved money band apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilientmaterial is one selected from the group consisting of leather,leather-like vinyl, suede, woven, denim, corduroy and metal.
 6. Theimproved money band apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient materialhas a first layer and a second layer.
 7. The improved money bandapparatus of claim 6, further comprising an aperture formed by a slit onthe outer face of a layer providing a void between a first layer andsecond layer of the money belt material.
 8. The improved money bandapparatus of claim 6, further comprising a clear back on a portion ofthe outer layer adapted to receive a photograph or identificationmaterial.
 9. The improved money band apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a separate coin purse coupled on a side of the money band.10. The improved money band apparatus of claim 1, wherein the couplingmeans is a magnetic attachment.
 11. A metal money band apparatus,comprising: a continuous metal band made of a planar front portion, aplanar back portion, the planar front portion and planar back portionsbeing joined on each side by a first curved side portion and a secondcurved side portion, each of the planar front portion and back planarportion having a height of between a quarter inch (0.25) to 5 inches anda length of between 1.5 and 4 inches, a lower part of the inner faces ofthe planar front and planar back portions having a variable distancethereinbetween, said distance determined by whether the metal band is ina clamped or unclamped position; and a clamping mechanism.
 12. Theimproved money band apparatus of claim 11, being comprised of acontinuous cast metal.
 13. The metal money band apparatus of claim 11,being comprised of a folded sheet metal joined at the ends thereof,having dimensions, in the unfolded position, as follows: a height ofbetween one quarter (0.25) inch to 5 inches and a length of between 3and 8 inches.
 14. The metal money band apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe clamping mechanism comprises a predetermined gauge metal thicknessportion of the money band that is different from the gauge metalthickness of the remainder of the money band, such that the clampingmechanism portion is adapted to be moved from a first position to asecond position by the application of force.
 15. A money band,comprising: a band made of resilient material having a height of between(i) a quarter inch (0.25) and 5 inches and, when laid flat, a length ofbetween 3 and 8 inches; and said band having a first crease and a secondcrease, the band being folded along the first crease and the secondcrease and then coupled along a first edge and a second edge with acoupling means, the bottom edge of the money band portion being joinedand coupled to create a pocket.
 16. The money band of claim 15, furthercomprising a strap coupled proximate the top, open end of the money bandadapted to be fastened to the side of the money band with a fasteningmeans selected from the group consisting of a snap mechanism, hook andloop fastener, buckle, button and hole arrangement, woven, zipper,button and magnetic attachment.
 17. The money band of claim 15, furthercomprising a concho being coupled to the band.
 18. The money band ofclaim 15, wherein the coupling means is a concho.
 19. The money band ofclaim 15, comprising an elastic strip having a height substantially thesame as the height of the band, the elastic strip positioned between thefirst edge and the second edge of the band, a first edge of the elasticstrip sewn to a first edge of the band and the second edge of theelastic strip sewn to the second edge of the band.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 15, further comprising the band being made of a leather-like vinyland wherein there is a concho coupled to the leather band.